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Kindergarten Rocks

My son Isaac on his first day of Kindergarten

My oldest son started kindergarten a few weeks ago. It was a day filled with many emotions. Sadness, excitement, and joy for him. It was more emotional for me, as I watched him go into a new journey in his life. He has been with me every day from the start. It was hard, now it’s week three. And well, it’s still kind of hard. We go to bed early, wake up early, and I try to spend time with my other kids during the hours he is at school. It’s pretty exhausting. For some reason I imagined I’d have so much time to do things. Boy was I wrong.

Every day I pick him up and the anticipation of hopes that he comes home with a sticker (which means he had a good day) and receive a good review from his teacher. Not always the case, but It’s week three and he will get the hang of things. But it’s been a learning experience for me as well, watching him learn at such a rapid pace is amazing. I didn’t think he could grasp the information as quickly as he is and I’m impressed and proud of him.

The back to school meeting provided information on what the expecations are for the year and their goals. It was a real eye opener to see how much work they actually do in Kindergarten! And it’s definitely nothing like when I was in school. I remember kindergarten being full of play time, imagination, games, and painting. Now it’s all bases on academics, which is imporrtant don’t get me wrong. I am all for early childhood education and I appreciate the hard work from all the teachers and staff. It just seems but like a lot of work load for a five or six year old. Initially I felt super overwhelmed because I assumed;

Kindergarten Rocks…Or so I thought.

In case some of you don’t have any kids in kinder yet, this post is for you! coming from one mom to another I want to share with you a list of expectations the teachers and schools have from you child day one of kinder. Yes that’s right, day one. These tips will help you to give your child the necessary tools to have a successful year in Kindergarten. Ready? Here you go! You’ll thank me later.

Name writing.
compositions books I purchased from Amazon.com

Now this doesn’t just mean they can write it all over the place, you have to show them how to write it neatly and properly. I bought some kindergarten composition books from amazon and have been working with Isaac to write his name. They are required to write their name on every single paper they have. It’s important they know that the first letter is capital and the rest are lowercase and where the letters go. If your child already knows this, make sure you just practice to perfect this. Because teachers expect them to know.

Alphabet and sounds.

Your child will begin learning to read in kinder. I know it used to be 1^st and 2^nd grade, but now the standards are higher. So they will initiate a test the second or third week of school to see how well your child knows the letters and sounds. They must be able to recognize both lower and upper case letters. I use ABC mouse with my son, he loves it and doesn’t realize that he is learning. This app is $7.99 a month but there are some free ones out there you can use that have similar principles for learning the alphabet.

Sight words

Our school breaks down the sight words into something called “rainbow words” they break it down by color. They are expected to know 100 or more sight words by the end of kinder. They also have to be able to put the words into sentences. Let me give you an example; I see the fish. Here is a great website with tons of resources and a list of all the sight words your child needs to learn. http://www.sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/

I never knew how hard it would be to teach this. So be prepared to find new ways to get creative in the teaching process.

Numbers 1-100

My son is able to count 1 to 20 with no issues. At the meeting I attended I found that they need to know the numbers all the way to 100. I am working on a number chart this week and I will post it up on my social media accounts to show you an example of it. It’s a great way for them to see a visual of the numbers every day. They will also be required to know addition and subtraction by the end of kindergarten as well.

Homework

Our school gives homework packets on Monday and they are due on Friday. The home work is very important because it gives your child a chance to practice their skills at home. Here are a few tips for homework. Because I struggle with Isaac his attention and focus spans are very short and I need to always be one step ahead of him.

Sit with your child. Don’t do the work for them. Explain to them in detail what they need to do and make sure they do it.
Do a homework chart at home or check list. Since my son is a kinesthetic learner it’s important I provide many visuals and allow him to touch and feel everything. For example, when he finishes his work, I will let him put a sticker on the chart. This seems to work and give him a great incentive for completing his work.
Create a place for homework, whether it’s the kitchen table or a desk there needs to be a designated area with supplies for them to work. This is super important.
Give incentives for weekly homework completion. I do tickets for homework and behavior. Every day when he comes home with good behavior in class, he gets a ticket also when he finishes homework. Once he gets to 20 tickets we take him to buy a toy or take him somewhere of his choice. This works really well.

And finally

Make it fun

This is a personal struggle for me. Because it’s so much work and expectation from them, I feel I need to be extra hard on Isaac to do his best. What I didn’t realize is I am slowly but surely turning him away from learning. It’s so important to make everything a game and teach him in the process. It’s not easy, I am not going to lie to you. But you can do it, for your child. Remember once he learns the basics everything else will fall into place. This is supposed to be fun for him and you.

I want to share with all of you my loyal followers Isaac was diagnosed with ADHD in April. It can be very difficult at times, however I like to look at all the positive things of every situation. Surprisingly, this has been a blessing. Isaac has taught me so much about myself as a mom. He teaches me things I never knew I was capable of doing. From patience to seeing the best in everything. My husband I decided at this time we would not medicate him, but we are working with him and his behavior by communicating things to him so that he understands. We have to push him a little harder, because he is going to have to work hard to overcome some of these obstacles. So far he’s adapting better than I ever imagined he would.

If you have struggles similar to this with your child just remember to hang in there and know that something good will come out of this. Even if we don’t see it right away. It’s so important to be optimistic and see the positive in all things.

Well mommies I have really enjoyed sharing this with you. And continue to stop by to see new posts like this and to follow my journey through the chaos, I mean motherhood! HAHA

Keep striving for mommy success!

Blessings,

Reina

Time-saving tips for kitchen cleaning

Please join me in welcoming guest blogger Patricia Cornwell all the way from London, England. Patricia is a passionate writer and cat owner based in London. She is interested in home improvement, design. Check out her time-saving tips for kitchen cleaning. We are very excited to have her article at successful mommy advice!

The kitchen is without a doubt one of the most important rooms in every home. Since it issued on a daily basis for cooking and other things, it needs to be cleaned regularly. This could turn into a real challenge for you, especially when you have limited free time and a lot of other tasks. The best solution to the problem is to learn to clean more efficiently.

Photo courtesty of: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Countertop_dishwasher_%28cropped%29.jpg

Trying to be more organized will save you the stress and troubles every time a relative or a friend drops by unexpectedly. You won’t have to worry about the mess in the kitchen anymore because there is an easy way to keep it constantly clean after all.

The cleaning of the kitchen can truly be a very unpleasant task. Just thinking about the scrubbing of all the tiles, the washing of the dishes and the polishing of the appliances covered with stains can make you feel tired already. There is no need to worry, however, because with a little planning and organization you will be able to get everything done in just a couple of hours. In this article you will find some useful time-saving tips from HomeCleaners NW1, which will make the task even easier for you.

Make a schedule – Like we’ve mentioned before, planning is very important. You can schedule your cleaning tasks for different days of the week, as you start with the disinfection of the kitchen because it will probably take most time. Making a list with all things you have to clean in this part of your home is also a good idea. This way it will be easier for you to organize your time and perform all of them.

Always start with the sink – The sink is one of the places in your kitchen, which requires most cleaning. Therefore, it is best to start with its disinfection. This, on the other hand, will stimulate you to take care of the worktops, as well as to load the dishwasher right away. Make sure that you focus on the harder cleaning tasks first, otherwise by the end you will be too exhausted which will slow you down.

Keep your cleaning supplies organized – The cleaning supplies can turn into a bigger problem than you expect. A lot of people lose precious time searching for their sponges, disinfecting products and other cleaning supplies. If you want to avoid this and finish with the cleaning faster, you can just keep them organized all the time. Designate a special place just for your cleaning products and don’t move them around. You can also check them regularly and replace the old sponges and various products with new ones when necessary. This way you won’t have to lose time while cleaning.

Clean every chance you get – Cleaning the kitchen is probably the last thing on your mind when you get home after a long and hard day at work. Wiping the sink after you are done with the dished the same evening, however, will save you from having to do this in the end of the week during the major cleaning of the kitchen. Try doing more of those little things through the week and you will have less to clean later.

The disinfection of the kitchen may seem like a complicated task, but with some planning and good organization you will be able to finish everything faster than expected. The important thing is to stay focused because every time you postpone or neglect the cleaning of this part of your home, you are only making things harder for you. So, don’t waste any more time and start making a cleaning schedule for the following days.

Setting Boundaries In your Home

My kids have no idea what boundaries are. They (Like most kids) think everything in the house is theirs. I decided to put an end to it when I noticed most of their toys in my room. My personal space began to look like Toys R US.

With three kids at home all day my house tends to see more mess these days. I notice other people who have kids and their houses are decorated with nice things and all I can see are my kids putting that beautiful décor in their mouths! How come their houses are so clean and decked out?

So I started to realize:

I’ve become that mom/parent who has let my kids take over every aspect of my house (including my room)! It’s crazy! There’s toys everywhere, their clothes, and shoes. They officially have no boundaries and I am 100 percent to blame

I officially was Fed Up.

How can I encourage them to play in their room?

How can I make it more inviting for them?

Obviously they love their house and feel comfortable here which I am so glad. However, I deserve a space that is mine. A place to put my things without worrying about them touching or writing on my brand new comforter set (true story).

So here is how I started setting boundaries in my home. How I implemented areas for my kids to enjoy different activities and of course space to have fun. I don’t know about you, but seeing toys all over the place drives me crazy. I believe in teaching rules and setting guidelines as early on as possible.

Set house rules

I think this is the most important one of all. There’s always going to be rules your children need to follow, so why not start enforcing them in your home. I created a set of rules and posted them in a visual part of the house for my kids to see. I go over the rules with them so they are clear and they understand what the expectations are. Because I stay with them all day, it’s a lot of free play and fun, but I need to set the tone and take charge of my home. The rules have a consequence and reward system. It’s a great way to teach them to follow directions as well.

Organize the toys
These are the bins I purchased from target. It has helped me tremendously. It also makes it easier for my kids to clean up.

One thing I noticed in my children’s room is that there are toys everywhere! I mean everywhere! So the first step is to get rid of unwanted/broken toys so they have more room. I always thought I would buy cutesy toy boxes and shelves and then realized that the large totes from target would do just fine, for half the price. I bought two large ones and organized all the toys. Then I bought 3 medium sized ones with lids. I used this for my son’s cars, Legos, and miscellaneous toys. This way when they are cleaning up there’s a place for everything. I put wagons and larger toys outside and it made more space for them. So far so good. This creates an inviting atmosphere for them to play. They enjoy it more and want to be in there.

Explaining to them what’s not theirs.

Ultimately they need to understand when something doesn’t belong to them. Kids tend to think that if it’s in their house, it’s theirs. Not the case. They do understand and if you’re consistent enough they will get it. They play in the living room, kitchen, and my room. So what I have been doing is turning off the kitchen lights, shutting my bedroom door. They are starting to grasp the concept that these rooms are off limits.

You create your own environment.

This is 100 percent my fault! I have allowed my kids to do crafts on the dining room table, watch TV in my room, and play with their toys in the living room. They got used to that, and I never enforced it. I kept wondering why there were toys all over the house? So I made sure that even if there were toys all over their room, which is ok as long as it’s not all over the house. It also makes it easier to keep the house clean.

Set designated areas.
homework area

Reading center for my kids.

I bought a small fold up table and I set it up outside or in their room (Depending on the activity) and now they know that this is home work time or craft time. I keep their crayons and markers in a pencil box it makes it easier for them to put things back when we’re done.

Tell them NO!

I have caught my kids jumping on beds, couches, and anything else they can find. They have started to learn that they will NOT do this. They don’t like it, but they will learn how to behave and this is one of the rules of the house. Once I tell them no and they do not listen or acknowledge me (which happens a lot) I put them in time out accordingly.

I started this about a month ago and it seems to be working, especially with my oldest Isaac. He is learning that he needs to use his listening ears and follow directions of the house. For example, he would often run in the house and took this habit with him to school. So I started explaining to him that running is for outdoors and to use “walking feet” when inside. He still does it from time to time, I just need to remind him.

Sometimes I hear him telling his little sister to follow the rules, which is great for me because it shows me that he is grasping the information.

Although my house isn’t decked out in décor I feel now I am able to do more (at least in my bedroom) without them coming in and touching it. A friend of mine had her bedroom door closed and I thought it was a great idea, then I decided to implement it in my own home.

It hasn’t been easy it’s been tough reminding them and enforcing the rules, but it helps to keep the house organized especially if you have three busy kids.

I hope that some of these tips help you if you are going through this situation in your home.

Thanks for stopping by successful mommy advice! Keep sharing so that together we can strive for mommy success.

XOXO,

Reina

When my five year old needed glasses

My son Isaac with his new glasses

Things have been so difficult with my five year old son Isaac. It’s been an adventure that’s for sure. Mostly because I have no idea what I am doing! I read books, I take advice, I look for answers. In most cases this does not work. I end up feeling like a failure by the end of the day.

So recently I took Isaac to his five year physical exam. This is a new pediatrician for us, and I figured I would ask as many questions and make sure the doctor gets to know Isaac to help me figure out…Well anything that could help me to be honest.

First he examined his height and weight. All normal. Then the vision screening. Uh….A little abnormal. Let’s send him to a specialist.

Finally I had answers.

So maybe some of his behavioral issues are linked to his vision?? That Makes sense complete sense to me.

He would get frustrated and would give up and completely stop trying in school.

Maybe he couldn’t see clear….Then it hit me…How could I have missed the signs?

How could I not notice when my five year old needed glasses? How did I miss this?

Again I felt like I failed him.

Here are some tips on what to look for in case you are unsure. I know that I wouldn’t have expected him to need glasses so early on, but hey whatever necessary to help him.

Watch your child’s posture when writing

Isaac would slouch and lean into the paper when writing. Even while tracing letters and numbers, he still would not stay on the lines. It was slightly off, however this was due to his blurred vision.

Number confusion

Isaac would often mix up numbers. For example, A 6 looked like an 8 to him, this was only from a distance once he was up close he would see them fine.

Frustrations and tantrums.

Imagine not being able to see things clearly, and lack the ability to communicate that to your mom or dad? That’s where Isaac was. He would act out in class and wouldn’t make much effort to do his work. It was too frustrating for him.

Communicate all concerns with the doctor.

Sometimes we forget to ask specific questions or we think it’s a “dumb” question. When it comes to your child there is no such thing. It’s important to get answers and to be on the same page with your pediatrician or any specialists. Ask as many questions as you want.

The appointment with the optometrist was finally scheduled, and Isaac wasn’t cooperating very well at all. Luckily she was able to see into one eye clearly without him squirming. She noticed he had a slight astigmatism. She checked to make sure there wasn’t any issues with color blindness, and that was it.

He then was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. This is where he would need a more thorough exam. Meaning they would dilate his pupils to determine the length of the astigmatism.

I was starting to feel better knowing that this could be the answer to the behavioral issues with him. He still wasn’t doing well in school, he was fighting me to do his work, but we had good days and bad days.
The day had arrived where we would find out for sure if he needs glasses. The appointment took a total of one hour. They did a vision screening, and then sprinkled some drops in his eyes. I had to hold him down he did not like that at all. Luckily they got it in and were able to see what was going on. So he in fact has an astigmatism in both eyes, and his vision is 20/30. Doctor prescribed his glasses and we ordered them immediately.

It took a week to get his glasses. I ordered fisher price glasses, as these are very “kid friendly”. As soon as I got home I had him practice tracing his name with the glasses…. And WOW! What a difference! I couldn’t believe it.

I was so relieved that we got an answer and now he is on his way to learning new things. I was so proud of him because I knew that he understood the work he just needed some extra help to see clearer.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to keeping sharing my posts and blog so together we can strive for mommy success!

XOXO,

Reina

A Letter For My Five Year Old

My Precious Isaac on his birthdays…1st through 4th.

The time has finally come, your five years old. These five years have passed so quickly, I feel like you were born just yesterday. I can still remember the first moment we met, you looked at me and since then my life changed forever. My world was now a different world, a better one. I knew that my mission in life was to be your mom. To help you, to nurse you, and to keep you safe from harm. From your first breath to your first step. I was there. Now you’re heading to a new venture in your young life. Elementary school. It’s exciting to be here and watch this time in your life. Exciting to watch you as you experience new things.

SO here’s a letter for my Five year old.

Today Is your day.

I look forward to the times to come.

You have brought so much joy to all the people around you. You’re funny, energetic, sweet, smart, talented and witty. I pray my son that you will be a light, and treat others with respect, that you will be a blessing to others around you. That you will share and be kind, that you will make a difference, and stand out and up for what you believe.

You have taught me many things about life and being a mom. Although I am not perfect and have made many mistakes (and I’ll probably make more), I can tell you that you have made me stronger. I can tell you I will always do my best for you. I will be here to encourage you during difficult things you may not understand, I will guide you and teach you to the very best of my abilities, and I will tell you how proud I am of you; and how much I love you every day. You’re my little boy. I never thought I would love this way until you came into my life. I am forever thankful and blessed.

Over the last five years we have overcome many obstacles. From terrible twos to tantrums and preschool. We’re a team, and together we can conquer anything (even kindergarten). One day you will grow up and look back and remember these moments with your mommy. I cherish every moment that we have, and I look forward to many more. I can’t believe how fast the time went. And now I am ready for the next step in our life. I look forward to this journey.

I love you my precious boy, today, tomorrow and forever. God blessed me with an Isaac, you are my special boy, my first born, and I love you more every day that passes. Happy birthday and remember you are loved by many.

Happy Birthday my son, May God bless you with many more years to come.

With Love,

Mommy

What You Need to Know About Hands Feet and Mouth Disease

photo courtesy of google images

It all happened so fast and I had no idea what to expect was going on with my daughter Jocelyn. First it started with a diaper rash, followed by a mild fever, and terrible blisters inside her mouth. Immediately I started freaking out after receiving three different diagnostics I was one scared mommy. Without question I then took her into Urgent Care.

The doctor looked at her and then diagnosed her with Hands Feet and Mouth Disease (HFMD). This is something pretty common this time of year (Although I’ve never heard of it before now) and it’s very contagious.

So here’s what you need to know about Hands Feet and Mouth Disease from a parent’s perspective, and how to prevent it from spreading.

Not every child will experience all the symptoms.

I noticed with my daughter that she didn’t experience the blisters on her hands and feet. Only on her buttocks area and inside her mouth. Every child is different and so is the severity of the virus. So don’t think your child doesn’t have it if she doesn’t have all the symptoms. If you notice anything take her to the doctor or urgent care as soon as possible.

They are most contagious during the first week.

The first week is the toughest one. They are drooling (due to lack of swallowing) they are most contagious through saliva and mucous glands. Luckily my daughter was not coughing or sneezing as much so it’s been contained thus far in our home. If you have more than one child like I do, keeping them apart is definitely crucial. You have to try and limit the kisses, hugs, and sharing which can be very difficult.

There isn’t a vaccination or antibiotic for HFMD

Unfortunately this is a virus (Like the flu, common cold, etc…) There is no cure for this, the most important thing is to make your child as comfortable as possible. The doctor prescribed a “magic mouthwash” which consists of Mylanta, Benadryl, and lidocaine (to numb the mouth). This helps the healing process if your child has the blisters in her mouth. It has been a lifesaver for my daughter. After day 6, all her blisters are subsiding and healing appropriately.

The Virus stays in the body for a month

After your child starts getting better doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The virus stays inside their body and comes through fecal matter (Bowel movements). So moms, make sure that you are washing your hands immediately following diaper changes. Wrap diapers in plastic bags and dispose. If your child touches her poop for any reason wash her hands (I know it sounds like common sense, but sometimes we forget because we get busy, especially when you have multiple children). I made a sign on the bathroom door to remind people to wash their hands.

Cold drinks and soft foods

This is the most soothing thing for your child. I encourage ice water, Gatorade (for electrolytes to prevent dehydration, you can also use pedialite). Yogurts, ice cream, cold milk, all help soothe your little one back to health.

Don’t doubt yourself as a mom

I received three different diagnostics. The first one the nurse explained to me it was a canker sore (this was before she experienced any other symptoms), the second was cold sores (This was a diagnosis over the phone from her primary doctor, whom I don’t care for), and finally HFMD. This diagnosis was consistent with her other symptoms and a doctor actually seen her to diagnose her. Just remember you ARE allowed to question doctors and medical professionals. Just because you’re not a licensed doctor you can always ask questions and get second opinions. Don’t doubt your instincts. You know your child better than anyone.

Not common in adults

Although HFMD is not as common in adults we can still catch it. My husband caught it after the first week. His was mild as well as my Jocelyn and Isaac. For adults the discomfort is manageable. You can gargle with salt water and use mouth washes to disinfect the mouth.

PREVENTION

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
photo courtesy of google images

I cannot stress this enough! Staying on top of your children to wash hands is very important. Smaller kids forget, they touch things, put them in their mouth, and BAM they get sick. Soap and water help prevent the germs from spreading and making matters worse for you and your family.

Disinfect

Clean toys daily (I use Lysol and Clorox wipes) especially the toys they put in their mouth. Also wash sheets, blankets, and towels often. Make sure throw away toothbrushes and anything else your sick child used.

It’s been two weeks since my daughter caught the virus and a week since my son caught it. Luckily my youngest (5 Month old, Samuel) did not catch it, nor did I. It’s been so hectic keeping things clean and staying on top of my kids to wash their hands. It’s so important.

There are not very many ways to prevent this, washing your hands is a biggie. This virus can be passed through the air by a sneeze or cough. You can’t run from it and have to let it run its course. Get as informed about this as possible, the CDC provides great information, along with a site called kids Health, I’ll provide both links below. The best thing for you to do, is stay calm. Encourage the food and drink as often as possible and stay on top of the recommendations from the doctor. This will pass and your little one will be up and running sooner than later.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this post helps some of you out there who may be going through this or just to help prevent it from spreading. Keep sharing my blog so together we can strive for mommy success!

XOXO,

Reina

http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/hfm.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle

Simple DIY Fall and Halloween Crafts

image courtesy of google images

The Harvest is here! Pumpkins, Color changes, and more pumpkins (and anything with pumpkin spice!). I really love this time of year, Here in Southern California it’s taking some time for our season to change but that doesn’t mean the ambiance can’t…

I love getting into a creative mode. It’s a great way for me to release my stress from the day Something about hot glue, ribbon, and the sound of scissors cutting really soothes me. I like to craft once my kids are asleep and it is a great way to end my hectic days.

So this year I looked around Pinterest and found some really simple and cute things I could make, and wanted to share these ideas with all my successful mommies out there. Most of these supplies you already have in your house, if you don’t you can find many things at the Dollar store. They make great décor additions, gifts, and treats for your little ones. Ultimately it’s something to do if you enjoy this type of thing. So check out my simple DIY fall and Halloween crafts

Mason Jar Candle holder:

I actually got this idea from Pinterest and added a few of my personal touches to it. The great thing about these jars is you can add more things inside them if you want to switch up the look. This was really simple to make. I actually used some jars I had around my house. First I washed the jars, placed 3D fall/autumn stickers around it. You can use paint or ribbon, whatever you like best. Once finished, I added a scented candle (something with a spice at the end, of course) and voila! I also tied some decorative ribbon at the top of the jar to complete the look. You can add a bow for a cuter look.

Mason Jar Candy Corn Pumpkin

I also found this on google images as an example. I love this and am actually using it as a gift for my son’s preschool teacher. Another simple thing to make and adding your own touch makes it so personal. Fill a jar with Braches candy corn, draw a pumpkin face using a black sharpie, add a note/date on the back, and add a ribbon for décor. So simple and look so cute.

Mummy Mini Pizzas.

I found this recipe on Therecipecritic.com this place has tons of great ideas for all holidays. I really loved this one because of the Halloween theme and I especially think that the kids at my son’s preschool are going to love it. They are so simple and only took me about 20 minutes to prep and bake, another great thing is all the ingredients only cost me about 12 bucks! You can check out more recipes from this site by clicking the link.

I also made some cute and simple goodie bags for my son’s class mostly using things I bought from the dollar tree store. So if you’re thinking of getting into your craftier side during this time and the approaching holiday seasons you should definitely check these out. I’ll be posting more ideas as the holidays approach.

Hope you enjoyed my post and please share your comments and feedback with me. I love to hear from you all! Thanks for stopping by and keep my blog going so that together we can strive for mommy success! J

XOXO,

Reina

Kindergarten here we come

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

I knew this day would come, I knew he would grow; I just didn’t anticipate it happening so fast. From the moment my son Isaac was born he’s been with me. I rarely leave him, leaving him at our church nursery was hard for me. Now the time is coming where he will be entering a new journey in his young life…Kindergarten. Since the time he was able, I was teaching him to hold a crayon, color, and do crafts. I wanted him to love to learn, to love school, it was a plus that I loved doing it too. I honestly think I had more fun than he did at times.

Now it’s amazing to think that he’s headed off to elementary school. I’m nervous, excited, and overwhelmed with all the things I have to prepare for before the big day. I thought I would just put him in school and that’s it. But there’s more to it. At least in my opinion, I guess you could do that. I just want him to have the best, the best teachers, school, and everything else. He deserves it.

Kindergarten here we come! Here are a few tools from the parents’ perspective to help you and your child prepare for the big day.

Find a good district.

Here is southern California the schools are full! It’s important to know your surroundings and find a district that works best for you and your child. Unless you plan to send your child to private school the district does matter. In the area we live the district is not as good as the surrounding ones. You can walk into your school district and ask to have a transfer. I am in the process now, make sure you know all the deadlines because this process can take time and you don’t want to miss the cutoff.

Class size.

I think over the years this has been an issue for many teachers, parents, and students. The average student teacher ratio is 22 to 1. This is fairly high for a kindergarten class in my opinion. I know how active my Isaac is; as a matter of fact how active most five year olds are and I imagine that can be very overwhelming. Some schools (which takes me back to step one) in certain districts have this ratio with a teachers’ aide or student teacher helping them. I know my son, I understand his strengths and weaknesses and know that the larger class sizes may not suit him. But I am willing to try and do my part to help him and his future teacher

Student/Parent relationship.

This is almost just as important as your marriage! Communication with your child’s teacher is so important, for many reasons. You want to make sure that you and the teacher are on the same page when it comes to you child, both academically and behaviorally. I have been in communication with Isaac’s preschool teacher from day one. I believe the teacher sees your child in a different light. They behave and learn differently for people other than Mom.

Know your schools.

Today there are so many ways to find out more about schools in your area. I always turn to a site called, Greatschools.com. It’s an awesome site that provides ratings and reviews from other parents. It’s been helpful to me in finding a school for my son.

Private schools.

I have researched private schools in our area and the cost is outrageous! Kindergarten is $7,000/per year, I cannot imagine paying that much for a private education in elementary school. I would rather put that money away for college tuition. However if you can afford it, It’s great! The curriculum is more hands on and great for busy bees. They instill the arts into the curriculum along with music classes. They also provide more technology such as an iPad. It’s truly amazing.

Get involved.

If you are able to, get in there! Know your child’s school and surroundings. I have talked to different teachers and they all have told me how much they love parent involvement. There are different groups you can join depending on your district and school, PTA, Lunch with the principal, school board meetings, and others. It’s a great way to be a part of your community and get to know other parents.

Do your research.

It’s so important to do research as a parent. There are so many things we face on a daily basis that require us to read and learn about. I have found you can go to any school and do well, my dad used to tell me: “Everyone starts out with an A, it’s up to you to keep it”. And that is so true. We have to be accountable for our kids, we teach them, the school and teachers are a tool to help us be better. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to use your voice when something isn’t right.

My Son Isaac 4 Years old at preschool

Part of me has been so afraid of my son going to elementary school; I wasn’t sure if he could handle it, or if I could handle it. However, I think that’s normal because I am also so excited for him. I am taking advice from his teacher and learning more about him everyday. He’s truly amazing and we’re making progress together. He’s doing an amazing job in all areas, not just because I’ve been working with him, but because that’s who he is. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes and who he beomes, and I’m sure it will be someone great! 🙂

Hope you find these tips helpful if you and your child are heading towards kindergarten.

Thanks for stopping by mommies and remember to share my blog with other mommies, so that together we can strive for mommy success.

XOXO,

Reina

Five Simple Tips to Keep your Home Tidy

photo courtesy of google images

One of the most difficult parts of being home is the constant mess around the house. The saying, “cleaning up with toddlers around is like eating Oreos without milk” doesn’t nearly describe the feeling. Personally it’s hard for me to have a good day when my house is a mess. I can’t focus, I feel like the kids can’t play, and ultimately it just puts me in a bad mood. I know, it’s just a house, WRONG! It’s where we live and where we spend most of our time (especially as SAHM’s).

My home is a reflection of me and my life, when it’s a mess…I’m a mess and represents chaos and I can’t handle it! A little OCD I know, but it’s how I feel and sometimes it’s hard for me to get out if my house is not in order.

So how do I manage it all? It’s really easy actually (said no mom ever). It takes a lot of patience, consistency, and determination. Now that I am getting used to have three little ones, I am learning what works and what doesn’t. I want to share my personal five simple tips to keep your home tidy.

Get everyone involved.

This is a biggie in our house, since we are now a family of five the mess is everywhere! I the most important thing from this is that my kids understand and learn to be responsible (yes even as young as 2). So I include them in my cleaning regimen. Isaac my eldest helps vacuum, (help is actually an understatement…He loves it!) I do my best to make it fun. Jocelyn is two and helps clean her toys and pick up books, she also helps me unload and load the dishwasher. We’re a team and everything in this house should be a team effort. At the end of the day they go to the “treasure box” (see my previous blog post for more on this). Giving them rewards for a good day of hard work is important.

Tidy up at night.

When the kiddos are asleep life is much easier. I am able to do things faster than when they are awake. This is the time I clean the kitchen, iron, and occasionally watch a show J I feel happy when I go to bed knowing the kitchen is clean. I also use this time to plan the next day. My phone really helps me in this process because I set calendars and alarms to help remind me. Having three kids has affected my memory! LOL

Organize your things.

One thing that has been a challenge in my home is the….drum roll please….THE TOYS!! It seems we have never-ending Toyland in our house, seriously sometimes I feel like I live in Toys R Us. It’s ridiculous. So I found a really great site, http://www.diyncrafts.com/2748/organization/150-brilliant-dollar-store-organizing-ideas-and-projects-for-the-entire-home and it has some pretty great and inexpensive ideas to help keep things organized, which also helps keep your house tidy and clean (at least in my opinion). My son’s preschool teacher also has a great system where she has bins for the toys. For example, one bin for cars, blocks, dolls, etc…It makes things look less cluttered and is easy for the kids to grab and put away.

Clean as you go.

Before I had kids I would leave everything out, my towel, shoes, and the iron. Now, it’s not as easy for me to do that. So I started to clean as I go, I also include my kiddos in this process. Isaac and Jocelyn both help me, put clothes in hamper, shoes in closet, and dishes in sink. This helps my house look less cluttered. So when I cook dinner I wipe counters and put dishes in the dishwasher as I go. It makes things easier for me and the kitchen doesn’t look dirty.

Deep clean throughout the week.

I created a schedule for myself. This helps me to do different things around the house on a weekly basis. So dusting is one day and the bathroom is another. I do at least a load of laundry every day to maintain it from overloading. Now with an infant, I have more dirty clothes than I used to before he was here. This schedule helps me to keep the house up over the week and I’m not stressing about it all at once.

I hope that you find some of these tips helpful in your home. Feel free to share your own ideas and cleaning regimens here. I look forward to learning from every one of you.

Thanks for stopping by, keep sharing my blog so that together we can strive for mommy success!!

photo courtesy of google images

Xoxo,

Reina

Mommy Adventures in Preschool-Part two

Kindergarten workbook and kit. Great tools to teach your kids and keep a regiment at home.

The 2014/15 school year is here, although my son is still only in preschool, it’s a little bittersweet as we get closer to Kindergarten. Lately I have been questioning everything that my son does, and when I say everything I mean…EVERYTHING. As I watch him as he learns and grows, I’m noticing his strengths and weaknesses and wondering where he will fit in, not only academically but socially. How can I encourage him without getting discouraged? It’s been a battle and I have had to set aside my own personal emotions and nerves to help him. So here are my mommy adventures in preschool-part two.

A friend of mine suggested to me that I am a little over barring and too hands on. At first I was irritated b this comment and then I started to look at myself and I found that maybe some of that had some truth to it. Isaac has been with me since day one. We have grown together in many ways. Now he is embarking a new journey and I’m nervous; not only for him but for me too. SO many questions come to mind as I enter this time in my life.

Can I do it?

Is he ready?

Will he make friends?

How will he handle being away from me all day?

Then I realized; these feelings were coming from me. I’m the emotional wreck, not him. He loves to go to school; he has made friends, and asks about it all the time. It’s put him on a routine and encouraged me in many ways as well.

So I researched some ways to encourage and prepare him for this year. I needed to get him up to speed with his writing, patterns, and comprehension. Sounds like a lot for a preschooler, right? Well I’m not just preparing him for preschool I want him to understand some of the kindergarten concepts as well.

On his last day of preschool last year, his teacher communicated some of her concerns and areas of improvement for Isaac. To be honest, initially I was a little discouraged; I did my homework to the best of my ability and took the advice from his teacher and others around me. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but my goal is to teach and motivate him in these crucial developmental years. Although I have had my shortcomings, some of the things I’m currently working on are helping him. And He’s making tremendous improvements. Now we are headed toward the right path, and he’s getting ready for preschool yet again in September

So if any of you mommies out there are anything like me, you may find some of these tips very useful in your own journey. With two other kids and home to run, I have come up with six tips that have helped me over the last two months.

Make it fun. I battle with this because sometimes I run out of ideas to keep him focused. So I found some new tools to help keep his interest. I bought a white board and markers to teach him the alphabet. I also would let him practice on it as well. He seems to like using markers better than crayons. After this I would have him erase the board, (which he really enjoyed).
Be hands on. Teaching him something from preschool or kindergarten workbooks has been difficult. He doesn’t seem interested. So I use things he likes (instruments, foods, basically anything he can touch or feel). He’s still learning but has recognized that apples are red and bananas are yellow, which means they are different.
Distinguish what school and learning is. Isaac has had some confusion understanding the difference between play time and class time. I have had to teach him to distinguish the difference in the two. When it’s time to clean up, it means we’re transitioning to “class” or “learning” time. I try and explain to him, now its workbook time, or now its bedtime and so forth.
my homemade treasure box. I used a shoebox and filled with goodies for the kids after a job well done.

Reward system. Kids need encouragement and motivation to do things. Especially at this age of 4 and 5 (so I am learning). I got a great idea from the church we attend and it’s called “the treasure box”. I used a shoebox and placed little goodies inside like candy and stickers. IF they complete their chores at the end of the day they go to the treasure box, same thing for Isaac’s work. Now he understands that if he does this he will get a treat.
Setting time with no distractions. I like to do story time after lunch. This is a quiet time when I have them sit on the floor and listen to a book. I allow my daughter Jocelyn to choose one book and Isaac another. Because I am only requiring them to sit for a short period of time, we don’t always get to both books and we take turns. Currently Isaac will sit for a complete 5 minutes with no interruptions. I am no working on getting him to sit 10 minutes. His teacher is asking that I have him sit for 15 and right now that seems to be pushing it. But story time definitely helps.
Substitute paint for crayons. Isaac has not shown much interest in coloring. He rushes through it and doesn’t always stay in the lines. So I went to Target and I bought the large coloring sheets and had him color them. Since he gives up easier with crayons his teacher suggested paint. He loves this! I bought him the paint brushes and this will keep him interested for a while. with the help of his sister. I bought a new workbook for him from Costco which has a dry erase printing workbook, and color by number book. This is a great tool for teaching him to follow directions and get used to crayons, the crayons are smaller and he has to work a little harder to color. It’s a great tool for enhancing the muscles in his fingers to write.

Although I’m still working with him, he’s making a lot of progress. He had some regressions once the baby was born, and it’s been pretty difficult, but now he is starting to understand and communicate things to me.

So if you’re nervous about leaving your baby, just remember that you are not alone. It’s a normal feeling, I thought that I would be so happy sending him off to school and I really am happy because I know that he’s going to love it. I’m also sad. But it’s my job to be excited for his future accomplishments. And to show him I’m on his side and willing to do whatever it takes to teach and guide him.

Thanks for stopping in, don’t forget to share my blog with other mommies so that together we can strive for mommy success! J

XOXO,

Reina

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